Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20% of the American population and
accounts for more than
one out of every ten doctor’s visits according to the Mayo
Clinic. Unfortunately only 15% of those with IBS actively seek treatment.
While traditionally treated with diet and medication, recent research
studies have shown that many IBS sufferers respond positively to
hypnosis and Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (CBT). The Two Session
SolutionSM of Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, Florida, uses hypnosis
along with CBT methods including Neuro Linguistic Programming and
Time Line Therapy® to help clients with the symptoms of IBS.
We have over a 90% success rate in eliminating or significantly
reducing the symptoms of IBS.
The American Gastroenterological Association
(AGA) has accepted hypnotherapy as a treatment for irritable bowel
syndrome since 1996
based upon a number of studies dating back to 1984. In a recent
study published in March 2013 by Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology magazine, researchers found hypnotherapy provided both immediate and long-term
relief to people with persistent indigestion and eliminated the
need for anti-indigestion medications. The editorial stated that “hypnotherapy
has emerged… not only as effective in improving the gastrointestinal
(GI) symptoms that define IBS but also as a potent way to counter
the quality of life impairment, disability, and excessive health
care costs associated with the disorder… it might be argued
that hypnotherapy is more effective than any other single treatment
modality for severe IBS.” They also stated that cognitive
behavior therapy also showed a high success rate (Neuro Linguistic
Programming and Time Line Therapy are brief forms of cognitive behavior
therapy).
In the most recent long-term study using hypnosis
as a treatment for IBS as reported in November
2003 by the British
Society of Gastroenterology
magazine, GUT,
hypnosis was shown to be an effective long-term therapy for IBS.
Specifically, of the 204 patients who were studied, 71% responded
positively to hypnosis treatment. The five year follow-up showed
that 81% maintained their improvement and 19% showed only minor
deterioration. The patients who used hypnosis reported an improvement
in symptoms, a decrease in anxiety and depression, a better quality
of life and said they took fewer drugs and saw their doctor less
frequently after treatment.
According to the AGA, IBS is diagnosed due to symptoms the patient
presents to his or her doctor and the elimination of any other possible
diagnosis. The causes of IBS are not known. Symptoms of IBS include
crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea,
constipation or both). Degrees of discomfort with IBS range from
mild annoyance to disabling. Because doctors have been unable to
find an organic cause, IBS is often thought to be caused by or exacerbated
by emotional conflict or stress including for some a history of
abuse. For many, resolving the emotional conflict and stress management
can lead to a reversal or elimination of symptoms.
Both the traditional medical community and those interested in
complementary/alternative treatments have turned to hypnosis, Neuro
Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Time
Line Therapy® to treat IBS.
Anyone suffering from gastrointestinal problems should always consult
their doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
A medical referral from someone under treatment by a doctor for
IBS may be required prior to treatment.
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